School is right around the corner and guess what that means?  Back to school everything! As you’re planning on getting back to school supplies and clothes, you should also remember to get their physical and immunizations updated too! They may have been able to skip the doctor’s office last year when going to school virtually. But this year, going back to school in-person means going back to the doctor.

 

Why? Because it’s a whole new school year with potential health risks. We can’t forget about updating yearly vaccinations or preparing for illnesses like the flu this winter. Since kids will be back in school, the risk for spreading germs goes up.

 

This is why we recommend your child to get a FULL physical before going back to school.

 

Getting a physical is a way for your child to build their medical history

Building a medical history means that you’re in the system. When being seen for a check up or for something urgent, your file will have everything related to your past history. A full physical covers that.

 

This is really important for children and adolescents. Their growth and development can be monitored and tracked by a medical professional. If there is an emerging health concern or issue, there is information to back it up.

A good example would be immunizations or “vaccination” history.

Expect for your child’s immunizations to be updated too!

Is your child up to date on their vaccinations? Schools require a prerequisite of vaccinations before your child can attend. All 50 states and DC require vaccinations for diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis; polio; measles and rubella

 

Why is it important to stay up to date on immunizations? We all have a different vaccine schedule to follow that helps build our immune systems to fight off against diseases that can pose a potential harm to our health. But, it’s not just about us. It’s about everyone else and making sure our little tater tots are not spreading their germs to others who are at higher risk of getting sick.

Lastly, immunizations are not just for our little ones. Immunizations are also required for incoming college students too. Make sure you check with the particular school he/she is attending to find out their immunization requirements as they often differ slightly.

 

The following are the most frequent vaccinations required by most colleges and universities:

 

• Meningitis
• Hepatitis B
• Influenza
• Tetanus
• Diphtheria
• Pertussis

 

And just so you know, most of Connecticut’s colleges and universities are requiring students to get the COVID-19 vaccine when returning this fall. Here is the state by state list to check if your school requires it.

Don’t forget to bring your forms!

Is your child ready to go back to school? Get them a physical at any of our three Danbury AFC locations located on:

• 100 Mill Plain Rd.
• 2 Main St.
• 76c Newtown Rd.

If you are unsure about the last time you visited your doctor, you can always call them for your medical records to see what your last immunization was. We can also help answer any questions you may have before coming in for a physical. You can walk right in, with no appointment necessary, to any of our Danbury walk-in clinics.

 

All 3 of our locations are open 7 days a week and ready to treat you. We accept most insurances and we also offer a low cost self-pay option as well.